Title
A MOTION TO APPOINT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS' DEPENDENTS FUND BOARD.
Executive Summary: City Council must appoint two members to serve on the Volunteer Fire Fighters' Dependents Fund Board (VFFDFB) for the 2013 term.
Body
Legislative History
The Ohio Volunteer Fire Fighters' Dependents Fund was established in 1961 in Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 146, which provides for payments to the spouse or child of a volunteer (including paid-on-call) firefighter who is killed in the line of duty. It is funded by assessments based on the assessed value of property in the community. Hudson's assessment is $150 and occurs whenever the fund balance drops below a certain amount. Typically, there are two or three assessments each year. Additional federal and state benefits are available for firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Purpose & Explanation
A local board is established each year with membership from the Fire Department, City Council and the community. Its function is to prepare and submit an application upon the line of duty death of a firefighter. Membership on the 2012 VFFDFB consists of Council members Dennis Hanink and John Jeffers, Fire Department members Jay Zedak and Kevin Nelson and citizen member Shel Schweikert. The Board's term is a calendar year. Barring a firefighter death or disability, the Board typically meets once a year for less than an hour.
Timing Considerations
Council must appoint two members to the Board between November 1, 2012 and the second Monday of December, the Fire Department must elect two members before the second Monday of December and subsequently the board must meet by December 31, 2012 to elect a citizen member.
Fiscal Impact
X Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
Appropriation Not Required.
Suggested Action
Recommendation
Staff recommends appointment of two Council members to the VFFDFB.
Submitted by,
Fire Chief Bob Carter